Beyond the results: Kenyan men’s volleyball shows continental potential

A fortnight ago, the African inter-club volleyball tournament curtains came down. Kenyan teams have once again demonstrated that they remain competitive on the continental stage, despite falling short of the top honours.

Among the standout performances was Kenya Ports Authority Volleyball Club (KPA), who finished sixth overall in the tournament, underlining the steady progress of Kenyan volleyball against some of Africa’s strongest clubs.

Speaking on the teams’ performances, Paul Bitok, Deputy President of the Kenya Volleyball Federation, admitted that inadequate preparations continue to affect Kenyan clubs in continental competitions.

“Many teams head into the tournament without sufficient buildup, making it difficult to compete consistently against well-prepared opponents from across Africa,” he noted.

Bitok also pointed to the stronger performances by women’s teams compared to their male counterparts, attributing the difference to the rich history and experience built by women’s volleyball in Kenya over the years.

However, he emphasized that opportunities are now becoming more balanced for both men and women, offering hope for improved results in future competitions.

Meanwhile, Mathias Kosgei, coach of Eldowas Volleyball Club has called on Kenyan clubs to invest in signing top foreign players.

Kosgei noted that bringing in experienced international talent would not only strengthen teams competitively but also help local players grow by learning from higher-level athletes.

The tournament has once again exposed both the strengths and challenges facing Kenyan volleyball.

While local clubs continue to show resilience and quality against elite African opposition, concerns around preparation, investment, and squad depth remain central to bridging the gap with the continent’s top sides.

Even so, the performances witnessed this year suggest Kenyan volleyball is steadily moving in the right direction, with stakeholders hopeful that better planning and increased investment could translate into stronger continental success in the years ahead.